The press services of Lviv’s «Karpaty» and «Rukh» simultaneously published the following statement:
«To a great city — a great team!
Lviv — a city of great football traditions and ambitions. Ukrainian football originated here, many famous players and coaches began their sports journey in our city, and countless fans always strive to see their team among the contenders for the highest awards.
Currently, the Lviv community is represented in the top division of the Ukrainian Football Championship by two clubs and teams — «Karpaty» and «Rukh».
FC «Karpaty», beginning in 2020, has gone through a difficult path from an amateur team to a UPL team. During this time, a professional training infrastructure has been built, an effective international scouting structure has been formed, and an extensive system of youth football has been developed. But the greatest value of the club is its numerous fans.
FC «Rukh» has made its own ascent from the Lviv regional championship to the elite division of Ukrainian football. A European-level sports center has been created alongside Lviv and one of the best football academies in Ukraine, which has prepared dozens of active players and candidates for the national teams of Ukraine in various age categories within a few years. Thanks to this, an entire generation of young talents, who could have been lost due to the football hardships in Lviv at the end of the 2010s, has been preserved.
But Lviv deserves more — a Club that will consistently fight for leadership positions in Ukrainian football and properly represent our country in European club competitions. This goal, in our challenging times, requires unconventional actions and decisions. That’s why the founders and leaders of both clubs have decided to join forces for the development of the football club «Karpaty».
In connection with this decision, the football club «Rukh», starting from the 2025/2026 season, will focus on preparing young talents based on the established Academy, as well as initially adapting them to adult football for their subsequent involvement in the «Karpaty» team.
We are confident that the synergy of our potentials, assets, and developments will lead to an increase in the number of quality football players of European level, who will bring true glory to Lviv football».
